A Recipe for Love: How Two Chefs Found Their Perfect Pairing
Love at first taste! That's the story of Chuck Cruz and Hailee Catalano, a dynamic duo who've captured the hearts of thousands with their culinary adventures. Every Friday night, they invite us into their kitchen, a sanctuary of calm amidst the chaos of high-pressure cooking.
From mouthwatering beach sandwiches to mouth-watering steak dinners, their videos are a delightful blend of culinary expertise and pure joy. With their furry companion, Gus, making frequent appearances, their home kitchen in Asbury Park, New Jersey, is a world away from the intense atmosphere of professional kitchens.
Their journey began at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, where they met in 2012. Paired as station partners, their initial impressions couldn't have been more different. Hailee, a high school cooking competition winner, thought Chuck was an intense chef-in-the-making. Little did she know, Chuck had a different culinary background, having worked at The Cheesecake Factory and a Chinese buffet.
But here's where it gets interesting... Chuck admits, "I was really bad." Yet, their differences made for a perfect partnership. They supported each other, and Hailee soon realized Chuck's goofy, funny side. Their culinary skills complemented each other, and they found a unique dynamic in the kitchen.
They started dating in 2014, and their love for cooking brought them closer. Working together in restaurant kitchens in Chicago and Jersey City, they discovered a natural rhythm, always knowing each other's next move.
Hailee's foray into TikTok changed their game. With nearly two million followers, their cooking videos became a way to spend quality time together. "It's our time of enjoyment and spending time together," Hailee says. Their hobby, a shared passion, has become a bonding experience.
And this is the part most people miss... Even when working on the line, they looked forward to cooking for fun on their days off. Now, those relaxed cooking sessions bring back fond memories.
Their first Valentine's Day together as culinary students was a memorable one - a trip to Burger King, complete with tablecloths and roses! Hailee recalls, "A chicken sandwich and a slushee at a plastic pink tablecloth at Burger King - it was perfect."
While they dream of opening their restaurant one day, for now, they cherish the simple joy of sharing their love for cooking.
Below, Chuck and Hailee share a recipe that's perfect for Valentine's Day - a celebration of love and flavor.
Salmon and Citrus Tartare with Potato Chips
"There's nothing more classic and elegant than surf and turf for Valentine's Day dinner," they say. This salmon tartare is a light and elegant appetizer, a perfect prelude to a romantic dinner.
Ingredients:
Guajillo Oil:
- 1 cup olive oil
- 5 guajillos, stem and seeds removed, cut into 1-inch pieces and toasted
- 2 teaspoons annatto powder
- 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
- 2 orange peels, shaved
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
Tartare:
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 1 medium blood orange, peeled and finely diced
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 finger chile, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh chives, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup Castelvetrano olives, sliced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon fish sauce
- 5 ounces high-quality salmon, diced very small
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Flake salt, for topping
- Kettle-cooked potato chips, for serving
Instructions:
Prepare the guajillo oil: Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. Simmer for about 10 minutes, then strain the oil through a fine-mesh strainer. Set aside to cool.
In a bowl, combine the shallot, blood orange, lemon juice, chile, chives, olives, extra virgin olive oil, and fish sauce. Mix well.
Just before serving, gently fold in the diced salmon. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Top with flake salt and serve with kettle-cooked potato chips.
This tartare is a vibrant celebration of flavors, a perfect way to start a romantic Valentine's Day dinner. Enjoy the taste of love, created by this talented chef couple!
What do you think of Chuck and Hailee's story? Do you have a favorite cooking duo or a special Valentine's Day tradition? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
